Columbus Citizens Foundation Scholarship Program

The Columbus Citizens Foundation administers scholarship programs that help hundreds of students in elementary school, high school, college, and graduate programs in the arts. Funding for these programs comes from donations made by members, friends and sponsorships of Columbus Celebration events.

Our scholarship programs grew out of a desire to improve the lives of Italians and Italian-Americans. Between 1880 and 1920, over four million Italians immigrated to the United States. Our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents were among them. Today, over 20 million Americans claim Italian heritage.

Most Italian-Americans have realized the dream of success their forefathers held for them: an education, a secure home, and the ability to provide for their families and those who are needy. However, education remains a critical issue in the lives of thousands of Italian-American students in the greater metropolitan area. We see the need for education firsthand. Among the applicants to our college scholarship program, many will be the first members of their families to receive a college degree.

For the Italian-American community to prosper – for our entire society to prosper – no qualified student should be denied an education because of financial need. We feel that every student who is determined and committed to his or her studies, to self-improvement, to family and to community must be given the opportunity to realize his or her potential.

The Foundation awards scholarships to students of Italian heritage who can demonstrate financial need and who we believe have the potential to be successful in life, both professionally and by being involved with their communities. Because our goals are long-term, we reward qualified students with multi-year scholarships. Our scholarships, while generous, provide assistance towards a school’s tuition but do not cover payment for all school costs.

If you would like to learn more about our scholarship funds or make a donation, please visit our scholarship funding page.

How To Apply

If you are a student or the relative or guardian of someone who would like to apply for a scholarship, please visit the elementary school, high school or college scholarship pages for information and instructions on how to apply.

Mission Statement
Recognizing the incredible impact that our Italian heritage has had on our lives and its contribution to our individual successes, we the members of the Columbus Citizens Foundation dedicate ourselves to preserving and enhancing the culture, traditions and values we were so blessed to receive. Furthermore, we will commit to honor those that came before us by ensuring that their love of country, family and tireless work ethic are passed to our children and all future generations. We firmly commit to raise and distribute financial aid to educate children in need and pledge to extend ourselves in perpetuating the philanthropic work that has been synonymous with our Foundation.